Peachland, B.C. – The Emergency Operation Centre advises that the Evacuation Order for the Seclusion Bay Interface Fire has been rescinded effective 2:30 p.m. Friday, July 16. West Kelowna Council will meet at 3:30 p.m. today to cancel the State of Local Emergency. The District of Peachland is letting its State of Local Emergency lapse.

Detailed geo-technical, slope stability and dangerous tree hazard assessments have been completed. Over the past two days, and again today, crews conducted mitigation work in areas identified by those assessments in order to reduce potential hazards so that the Evacuation Order could be lifted and people could return to the area. Fire officials will continue to patrol the area to ensure public safety.

Property owners within the evacuation area have been advised of the potential for remaining hazards related to fire activity. Seclusion Bay Road is privately-owned and property owners are responsible for its management and maintenance.

Those returning to the area are reminded that hazardous conditions may still exist on private properties. The public is requested to stay out of fire-affected areas for their own safety. The RCMP will continue patrols in the area to manage traffic issues. Signs have been posted advising of possible hazards and areas of concern and people should stay out of these hazard areas.

The Provincial Emergency Program website provides some important information for those returning to their homes after an evacuation. One Step at a Time - A guide to Disaster Recovery

Interior Health also provides some useful information for residents returning to their homes. It deals with exposure to smoke from forest fires, food safety, water quality and septic tanks and disposal fields: Forest Fire Resources, Information Package for Evacuees.

The Emergency Operation Centre reminds all residents that although the fire affected area may appear safe, serious hazards still remain. The hazards listed below may not represent all the hazards you may come across. Please be cautious!

Widow Makers – are burnt trees with little or no limbs that have limited structural support and may fall silently at any time.
Easy Bake Ovens – burning root structures that leave the surrounding ground unstable and extremely hot. The roots can burn for days and are extremely dangerous. These areas may appear as “dinosaur footprints” and must be avoided at all times.
Falling Limbs – may occur in any area where trees have been exposed to the fire!
Electrical Hazards – Please be aware of fallen power lines (and other utility lines) and power poles affected by the fire. Many poles may be unstable. Treat all fallen lines with extreme caution. If you come across a utility line that may be activated, contact the necessary utility company.
Structural Hazards – Many of the homes affected by the fire may have structural hazards, fall hazards, and potentially dangerous gas pockets. Avoid private properties at all times. Standing chimneys and walls may appear to be sound. Be aware the concrete in these structures may be fragile due to excessive heat that may collapse at any time.
General Site Safety – Emergency response personnel may be active in many of the areas you are working. Please DO NOT block access to streets.
Wild Animals – The fire has affected many wild animals in the area. If you spot a bear, cougar, or other animal in distress, please keep your distance and contact the conservation officer service.

The Districts of Peachland and West Kelowna, our first responders and the Regional District of Central Okanagan Emergency Operation Centre thank all residents for their patience and understanding throughout the course of this emergency operation.

News Release No. 15
Date: July 16, 2009 Time: 10 a.m.

Peachland, B.C. – An evacuation order remains in effect for the Seclusion Bay area due to continued hazards related to the interface fire that started shortly after 10 a.m. July 12.

The fire is 100 per cent contained and mop up efforts continue. Mop up is 90 per cent complete. Crews are focusing at this time on taking down hazard trees within the containment zone to ensure the safety of residents once they are permitted to return.

A meeting for property owners has been scheduled for 2:30 this afternoon at Westbank Lions Hall to provide an update on recovery efforts.

Residents and vacationers staying at Seclusion Bay Resort were permitted escorted entry into the area for a short time Thursday afternoon, at which time they were able to collect their valuables, check for any damages and dispose of spoiled food.

New information will be released to the media as soon as it becomes available. Media can contact (250) 469-8493 if needed. Public inquiries can be directed to 250-469-8490.

News Release No. 12
Date: July 15, 2010 Time: 11:40 a.m.

Peachland, B.C. – The Seclusion Bay Interface Fire zone is still under Evacuation Order. One representative from each evacuated family will be allowed temporary, escorted access to the evacuation area on July 15th to obtain personal effects and belongings. The representatives will be taken to their homes via a bus with safety personnel on board.

A mandatory safety briefing will take place for family representatives at:

Emergency Social Services will be available at the Lions Hall at 3:30 p.m. to re-register evacuees requiring further assistance. Registration with Emergency Social Services is required to receive a pass to take part in the re-entry.

The controlled re-entry will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. with assistance by RCMP.

Representatives from the Emergency Operations Centre and Fire and Rescue will be on hand at the Lions Hall to provide information on the re-entry procedure and to answer any questions residents may have about the ongoing emergency response.

While excellent progress has been made regarding the fire itself, the next phase of work involves reducing risks within the Evacuation Area to ensure public safety before the Evacuation Order can be rescinded and people are allowed to re-occupy the area. Critical infrastructure has been damaged and requires extensive repair. As well, in order to make the area safe, hazard trees, rocks and slope stability must first be assessed and actions taken to mitigate the hazards. Compounding the problem is the steep, rocky terrain and the condition of the narrow single, access road to the Seclusion Bay Resort and private properties below Highway 97.

News Release No. 11
Date: July 14, 2010 Time: 4:10 p.m.

Peachland, B.C. – Initial results of the ongoing hazard assessment within Seclusion Bay Interface Fire zone indicate that the Evacuation Order will remain in place until further notice. As a result, evacuees are asked to re-register with Emergency Social Services on Thursday, July 15th for continuing assistance.

Evacuees will be offered an opportunity for controlled temporary, escorted access to the evacuation area on July 15th to obtain personal effects and belongings. Transportation to the site will be provided to evacuees requiring it.

Information on the temporary re-entry and re-registration with Emergency Social Services will be provided at:

Representatives from the Emergency Operations Centre and Fire and Rescue will be on hand to provide information on the re-entry procedure and to answer any questions residents may have about the ongoing emergency response.

While excellent progress has been made regarding the fire itself, the next phase of work involves reducing risks within the Evacuation area to ensure public safety before the Evacuation Order can be rescinded and people are allowed back into the area. Critical infrastructure has been damaged and requires extensive repair. As well, in order to make the area safe, hazard trees, rocks and slope stability must first be assessed and actions taken to mitigate the hazards. Compounding the problem is the steep, rocky terrain and the condition of the narrow single, access road to the Seclusion Bay Resort and private properties below Highway 97.

News Release No. 10
Date: July 14, 2010 Time: 9:15 a.m.

Peachland, B.C. – The Fire Investigation Team on the Seclusion Bay Interface Fire has determined the cause of the forest fire that began July 12 to be a tree falling on a power line during windy conditions with gusts of up to 70 km/hr.

The Investigation Team, consisting of RCMP, West Kelowna Fire Rescue and Peachland Fire Rescue, determined the cause after a thorough investigation of the fire zone.

BC Hydro is actively working within the fire zone today to ensure the safety of the area and restore infrastructure and electrical service as quickly as possible. Power poles critical to electrical service in difficult terrain sustained significant damage during the fire and will need to be replaced.

The Evacuation Order and Declarations of Emergency as a result of the Seclusion Bay Interface Fire remain in effect. Today, West Kelowna and Peachland emergency personnel are conducting hazard assessments in the fire zone, with the principle goal of ensuring the area is safe to allow residents to return as quickly as possible.

Of particular concern is the single-road access, currently occupied by a number of emergency personnel and equipment, and hazards posed by steep, rocky outcroppings, unstable slopes and dangerous trees that may have been compromised by fire activity.

Peachland, West Kelowna and BC Ministry of Forests fire fighters continue actively working to extinguish the fire which remains contained and estimated at approximately 30-hectares. Fire officials report that all fire guards remain in place. Work today will concentrate on strengthening the north and south fire guards. Warmer temperatures are expected today and may result in heating of ground fires and possible flare ups.

News Release No. 9
Date: July 13, 2010 Time: 3:30 p.m.

Peachland, B.C. – The Emergency Operation Centre advises that the Evacuation Order and Declarations of Emergency as a result of the Seclusion Bay Interface Fire remain in effect.

Peachland, West Kelowna and BC Ministry of Forests fire fighters continue actively working to extinguish the fire which remains contained and estimated at approximately 30-hectares. A District of West Kelowna property owner at 3060 Seclusion Bay Road lost a home, a garage and a boat as a result of the fire. A property owner within the District of Peachland at 3030 Seclusion Bay Road lost a garage.

As well, hazard assessments are being conducted to remove and reduce dangerous trees and other conditions in order to make the area safe for the public and restore services as quickly as possible. When the Incident Command is confident the fire conditions and public safety are assured, the Emergency Operation Centre will consider changing the status of the evacuation.

No cause has been determined for the fire and an Investigative Team has been formed by West Kelowna RCMP, Peachland Fire Rescue and West Kelowna Fire Rescue.

Highway 97 is open with a reduced speed through the fire zone. Motorists are reminded to watch for emergency crews that may be working in the area.

The Public is asked to:

Avoid the Seclusion Bay area so emergency responders can effectively perform their duties
Boaters must stay away from the area and are reminded there is no access to the area from the water
Stay tuned to the media for further information. Please do not call the Fire Department or other emergency services for information.
DO NOT CALL 911 unless it's a life threatening emergency
REMAIN CALM
Stay by the phone to receive a call if a family member(s) may have been impacted.

Seclusion Bay Fire Damage

News Release No. 8
Date: July 13, 2010 Time: 1:30 p.m.

Peachland, B.C. – The property owners impacted by the Seclusion Bay Interface Fire have been advised of damage suffered. A District of West Kelowna property owner at 3060 Seclusion Bay Road lost a home, a garage and a boat as a result of the fire. A property owner within the District of Peachland at 3030 Seclusion Bay Road lost a garage.

The fire remains contained at approximately 30-hectares in size. More than 45 fire fighters from Peachland, West Kelowna and more than 30 BC Forestry fire fighters will be on the site, as well as two helicopters. The Evacuation Order remains in effect until further notice.

No cause has been determined for the fire and an Investigative Team has been formed by West Kelowna RCMP, Peachland Fire Rescue and West Kelowna Fire Rescue.

Highway 97 is open with a reduced speed through the fire zone. Motorists are reminded to watch for emergency crews that may be working in the area.

Emergency Social Services volunteers registered 67 evacuees (representing 22 families) from the fire area and are providing food, lodging and clothing assistance for them on a personal and direct basis. Emergency Social Services will continue to provide support to evacuees for the duration of the Evacuation Order.

Currently, emergency officials are conducting hazard assessments in the fire zone. RCMP have established security patrols through the area and will remain on scene for the duration of the evacuation.

The Emergency Operation Centre remains open and active in a support role for the fire Incident Command. Based on information from the scene and Incident Command, the EOC will evaluate the status of existing the evacuation order and the States of Emergency declared yesterday by the Districts of Peachland and West Kelowna.

The Public is asked to:

Avoid the Seclusion Bay area so emergency responders can effectively perform their duties
Boaters must stay away from the area and are reminded there is no access to the area from the water
Stay tuned to the media for further information. Please do not call the Fire Department or other emergency services for information.
DO NOT CALL 911 unless it's a life threatening emergency
REMAIN CALM
Stay by the phone to receive a call if a family member(s) may have been impacted.

Media Contacts:

Kirsten Jones, Public Information Officer, (250) 469-8493
Bruce Smith, Public Information Officer, (250) 469-8493

News Release No. 7
Date: July 13, 2010 Time: 9:35 a.m.

Peachland, B.C. – Residents evacuated as a result of the Seclusion Bay Interface Fire are being invited to attend a Private Briefing and Information Session at 12:00 pm in the Westbank Lions Hall, 2466 Main Street in West Kelowna. They will be brought up to date on the status of the fire. Following the session Emergency Operation Centre officials will update the media in the parking lot of the Westbank Lions Hall.

The fire remains contained at approximately 30-hectares in size. More than 45 fire fighters from Peachland, West Kelowna and 12 BC Forestry fire fighters will be on the site. The Evacuation Order remains in effect until further notice.

No cause has been determined for the fire and an Investigative Team has been formed by West Kelowna RCMP, Peachland Fire Rescue and West Kelowna Fire Rescue.

Highway 97 is open with a reduced speed through the fire zone. Motorists are reminded to watch for emergency crews that may be working in the area.

Emergency Social Services volunteers registered 67 evacuees (representing 22 families) from the fire area and are providing food, lodging and clothing assistance for them on a personal and direct basis. As a result, the Reception Centre established yesterday at the Westbank Lions Hall is closed. Evacuees that require assistance are asked to contact 250-469-8490.

The interface fire destroyed one home and two garages, one police car and one boat.

The Public is asked to:

Avoid the Seclusion Bay area so emergency responders can effectively perform their duties
Boaters must stay away from the area and are reminded there is no access to the area from the water
Stay tuned to the media for further information. Please do not call the Fire Department or other emergency services for information.
DO NOT CALL 911 unless it's a life threatening emergency
REMAIN CALM
Stay by the phone to receive a call if a family member(s) may have been impacted.

Media Contacts:

Kirsten Jones, Public Information Officer, (250) 469-8493
Bruce Smith, Public Information Officer, (250) 469-8493

News Release No. 6
Date: July 13, 2010 Time: 7:45 a.m.

Peachland, B.C. – The weather certainly cooperated overnight for crews monitoring and working the still active Seclusion Bay Interface Fire. The fire remains contained at an estimated size of 30 hectares.

Incident Command reports a quiet evening on the fire lines as crews from Peachland, West Kelowna and the BC Ministry of Forests bolstered containment guards and patrolled around structures to put out any hot spots. Fresh crews will come on at 8:00 am and officials will determine a course of action for today’s attack on the fire.

Emergency Social Services volunteers registered more than 35 evacuees from the fire area and are providing food, lodging and clothing assistance for them on a personal and direct basis. As a result, the Reception Centre established yesterday at the Westbank Lions Hall is closed. Evacuees that require assistance are asked to contact 250-469-8490.

The interface fire destroyed one home and two garages, one police car and one boat. Peachland Fire Rescue and West Kelowna Fire Rescue have established an investigative team to determine the cause of the fire.

Highway 97 is open to single lane traffic north and southbound through Peachland. The speed limit has been reduced through the fire area. The situation is being monitored continually for safety and motorists should be aware of any emergency crews working along the edge of the highway.

The Public is asked to:

Avoid the Seclusion Bay area so emergency responders can effectively perform their duties
Stay tuned to the media for further information. Please do not call the Fire Department or other emergency services for information.
DO NOT CALL 911 unless it's a life threatening emergency
REMAIN CALM
Stay by the phone to receive a call if a family member(s) may have been impacted.

Media Contacts:

Kirsten Jones, Public Information Officer, (250) 469-8493
Bruce Smith, Public Information Officer, (250) 469-8493

News Release No. 5
Date: July 12, 2010 Time: 6:00 p.m.

Peachland, B.C. – The Seclusion Bay Interface Fire is considered contained and will be monitored overnight by Peachland Fire, West Kelowna Fire and Ministry of Forests crews. The fire remains active and volatile weather conditions are possible.

The existing Evacuation Order remains in effect for the Seclusion Bay area. No areas are currently on Alert.

The Emergency Operation Centre is now at a level one and will resume operations at 8:00 am or if conditions change.

The Seclusion Bay Interface fire is estimated at 30 hectares and one home has been confirmed destroyed and two garages, one police car and one boat have been lost. It is unknown at this time if the structures affected are in the District of West Kelowna or the District of Peachland. Peachland Fire Rescue and West Kelowna Fire Rescue have established an investigative team to determine the cause of the fire.

The Seclusion Bay Interface Fire forced the closure of Highway 97 at the Okanagan Connector. The Highway has now been opened to single lane traffic north and southbound through Peachland. The situation is being monitored continually for safety.

There have been 37 registered evacuees through the Emergency Social Services Reception Centre at Westbank Lions Hall. Fifteen of those people were rescued by water with support from Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland, RCMP and Transport Canada vessels. All evacuees are encouraged to register in person with the Emergency Social Services Reception Centre at the Westbank Lions Hall, 2466 Main Street in West Kelowna.

A State of Emergency was declared earlier today by both the District of Peachland and the District of West Kelowna and remains in effect.

The Public is asked to:

Avoid the Seclusion Bay area so emergency responders can effectively perform their duties
Stay tuned to the media for further information. Please do not call the Fire Department or other emergency services for information.
DO NOT CALL 911 unless it's a life threatening emergency
REMAIN CALM
Stay by the phone to receive a call if a family member(s) may have been impacted.

Media Contacts:

Kirsten Jones, Public Information Officer, (250) 469-8493
Bruce Smith, Public Information Officer, (250) 469-8493

News Release No. 4
Date: July 12, 2010, Time: 4:40 p.m.

Peachland, B.C. – The Seclusion Bay Interface fire is now estimated at 30 hectares and one home has been confirmed destroyed and two garages, one police car and one boat have been lost. It is unknown at this time if the structures affected are in the District of West Kelowna or the District of Peachland.

The fire is currently considered contained, but emergency crews are watching the weather closely.

A State of Emergency has been declared by both the District of Peachland and the District of West Kelowna. The Emergency Operations Centre in Kelowna has been activated.

Peachland Fire Rescue is continuing to lead the action on the fire, supported by West Kelowna Fire Rescue, Kelowna Fire Department, Summerland Fire Rescue and BC Forest Service. Peachland, West Kelowna, Kelowna and Summerland provided 46 fire personnel. BC Forest service had a 14-person unit working on the fire today and will be sending in a 20-person unit crew tonight. Peachland and West Kelowna will also have crews on tonight.

Peachland Fire Rescue and West Kelowna Fire Rescue have established an investigative team to determine the cause of the fire.

BOATERS MUST STAY AWAY FROM THE SECLUSION BAY AREA – DO NOT INTERFERE WITH ON WATER AND AERIAL FIRE FIGHTING OPERATIONS.

Seclusion Bay Resort and a nearby multi-family complex are currently safe from the fire.

An Emergency Social Services Reception Centre has been set up at the Westbank Lions Hall at 2466 Main Street. Evacuees are asked to attend the Reception Centre to register.

Well-trained emergency response crews are currently responding to the situation and dealing with the priorities of the incident. An evaluation of the situation is underway and specific details will be released as they are confirmed for release. Our first concern is for public safety and the safety of our emergency response personnel. We are working with other response agencies to manage the situation and minimize the impact it has on our community as a whole.

New information will be released to the media as soon as it becomes available. Media can contact (250) 469-8493 if needed. Public inquiries can be directed to 250-469-8490.

The Public is asked to:

Avoid the Seclusion Bay area so emergency responders can effectively perform their duties
Stay tuned to the media for further information. Please do not call the Fire Department or other emergency services for information.
DO NOT CALL 911 unless it's a life threatening emergency
Remain calm
Stay by the phone to receive a call if a family member(s) may have been impacted.

Media Contacts:

Kirsten Jones, Public Information Officer, (250) 469-8493

Bruce Smith, Public Information Officer, (250) 469-8493

News Release No. 3
Date: July 12, 2009
Time: 2:35 p.m.

Peachland, B.C. – The Seclusion Bay Interface fire is now estimated at 15 hectares and two structures have been confirmed destroyed and two more structures are possibly affected. It is unknown at this time if the structures affected are in the District of West Kelowna or the District of Peachland.

Further information will be provided at a news conference to be held at the Emergency Operations Centre at Fire Station 1 on Enterprise Way at 4 p.m. today.

The Seclusion Bay Interface Fire has forced the closure of Highway 97 at the Okanagan Connector. Travellers are not able to go southbound to Peachland on Highway 97 past the Connector. Highway 97 is also closed at Ponderosa Drive in Peachland. No northbound travel towards West Kelowna is possible past this point. East and westbound traffic is not impacted on the Connector, Highway 97-C. Trepanier Road, accessed off the Connector, is an alternate access around the closure but is not recommended for commercial vehicles as it is steep with tight turns.

An estimated 21 people have been evacuated and a State of Emergency has been declared by both the District of Peachland and the District of West Kelowna. The Emergency Operations Centre in Kelowna has been activated.

Peachland Fire Rescue is attending with the support of West Kelowna Fire Rescue after a grass fire was reported at 10:30 a.m. in the Drought Hill area, east of Highway 97 South. The grass fire is being fanned by high winds. BC Forest Service also had one forestry unit, 1 air tanker and 5 helicopters actioning the fire.

BOATERS MUST STAY AWAY FROM THE SECLUSION BAY AREA – DO NOT INTERFERE WITH ON WATER AND AERIAL FIRE FIGHTING OPERATIONS.

Peachland, Kelowna, Lake Country and RCMP rescue boats are being used to assist in the marine evacuation of Seclusion Bay Resort.

An Emergency Social Services Reception Centre has been set up at the Westbank Lions Hall at 2466 Main Street. Evacuees are asked to attend the Reception Centre to register.

New information will be released to the media as soon as it becomes available. Media can contact (250) 469-8493 if needed. Public inquiries can be directed to 250-469-8490.

The Public is asked to: • Avoid the Seclusion Bay area so emergency responders can effectively perform their duties • Stay tuned to the media for further information. Please do not call the Fire Department or other emergency services for information. • DO NOT CALL 911 unless it's a life threatening emergency • Remain calm • Stay by the phone to receive a call if a family member(s) may have been impacted.

Media Contacts:

Kirsten Jones, Public Information Officer, (250) 469-8493

Bruce Smith, Public Information Officer, (250) 469-8493

Seclusion Bay Fire as seen from Peachland

News Release No. 1
Date: July 12, 2009 Time: 12:23 p.m.

Peachland, B.C. – Due to a forest fire in the Seclusion Bay area, residents and visitors in the area are being evacuated and a State of Emergency has been declared by both the District of Peachland and the District of West Kelowna.

Highway 97 is closed at the Okanagan Connector and Ponderosa Road in Peachland.

BOATERS MUST STAY AWAY FROM THE SECLUSION BAY AREA – DO NOT INTERFERE WITH ON WATER AND AERIAL FIRE FIGHTING OPERATIONS.

Peachland, Kelowna, Lake Country and RCMP rescue boats are being used to assist in the marine evacuation of Seclusion Bay Resort.

An Emergency Social Services Reception Centre has been set up at the Westbank Lions Hall at 2466 Main Street. Evacuees are asked to attend the Reception Centre to register.

It is not known at this time how many residents and visitors are affected by the evacuation.

New information will be released to the media as soon as it becomes available. Media can contact (250) 469-8493 if needed. Public inquiries can be directed to 250-469-8490.

The Public is asked to:

Avoid the Seclusion Bay area so emergency responders can effectively perform their duties
Stay tuned to the media for further information. Please do not call the Fire Department or other emergency services for information.
DO NOT CALL 911 unless it's a life threatening emergency
Remain calm
Stay by the phone to receive a call if a family member(s) may have been impacted.

Media Contacts:

Kirsten Jones, Public Information Officer, (250) 469-8493

Bruce Smith, Public Information Officer, (250) 469-8493